Martinez's appointment would doubtless divide opinion among Liverpool supporters, some of whom may have been expecting a bigger name to be recruited to replace the sacked Kenny Dalglish.

But captain Steven Gerrard has already pledged his full support to Martinez should he get the job.

Gerrard, preparing for last night's England friendly against Norway, was a big supporter of Dalglish but cautiously welcomed the idea of Martinez taking charge.

"We'll have to wait and see," said the midfielder. "My focus has been on the game. I'm aware Roberto Martinez has been talking to the club but all I've heard about him is positive.

"If he is going to be the manager, he's got my full support."

Throughout the process, Whelan has insisted it was not a foregone conclusion he would lose his manager to the club's north west rivals, claiming there were still some issues – mainly surrounding working under a technical director – to be overcome before Martinez would even be in a position to accept.

"He went to Miami and had a very constructive meeting with the owner of Liverpool," the Wigan chairman said.

"They're going to talk again on Tuesday. They've made Roberto an offer and he has agreed to consider it.

"He's said, 'What are my responsibilities?' These are American owners and the rules and regulations are a bit different from what we English set down.

"Roberto is a seven-days-a-week, 12-hours-a-day worker and I don't know whether they realise how hard he works.

"He has rules and regulations to be fully in charge of football and I know he won't move anywhere unless he is fully in charge of the football.

"I think he'll give it fair consideration. Hopefully, he stays with us but, wherever he goes, he's 100% dedicated to that football club."

Liverpool, who have also been linked with former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas and Swansea's Brendan Rodgers, are looking to finalise the technical director post, with which Dutchman Louis van Gaal has been linked.